Student Life 2024: Get your free student guide in this week's Big Issue

In this week’s edition of Big Issue we have an essential guide to navigating student life for anyone starting college and university. This free pull-out guide has essential info on everything new students need to know – especially about money.

With a step-by-step guide to help freshers get to grips with the new world of further education, it also covers topics from navigating the shock of being thrown in to a completely new social environment, to striking a healthy work-study balance, and the key things everyone must know about working, tax, benefits and more. 

It also covers key things everyone needs to know about renting, advice on how to save cash on getting course essentials like textbooks and software, and even how to be a cheap date and let romance blossom without breaking the bank.

There is a handy list of places to find more info, advice and support on everything from housing to mental health to debt. And a few wise words of caution on some of the ways that students can be targeted by criminals.

The guide will be distributed free at universities and colleges, as well as running in this week’s Big Issue on sale now from vendors across the UK. And you can download a free copy of it online here. 

“As students begin their first year at university or college there’s plenty of excitement and nerves about embarking this new life,” says Russell Blackman, Big Issue’s managing director. “But there are practical things that it pays to be aware of. That’s why we’ve pulled together lots of tips to make things easier for students now and longer-term in our Student Life 2024 guide.

“We’ve got tried-and-tested easy hacks for managing money while they’re in the middle of these big life changes, as well as a few things to be alert to that frequently trip students up. 

“We want to show that nothing needs to be too scary if you catch it early, know what to do and where to get help when you need it,” he adds.

The pull-out was created with support through Experian’s United for Financial Health programme, which has supported Big Issue’s #BigIssueTalksMoney content series. 

John Webb, consumer affairs manager at Experian says: “Looking after your finances when you’re studying can also help you keep a healthy credit score, ready for graduation. That means you’ll be in a better place when you want things like a mortgage, car finance or loan.

“Sticking to a few simple rules can help keep you on the right track. If you have a credit card, try not to get close to your credit limit and ideally keep your overall debt as low as possible. We recommend keeping your balance below 30% of your limit in order to keep your score in good shape. It’s also important to make all your minimum payments on time.

It’s also good to check your free Experian Credit Score and request a copy of your statutory report once a year too. If you’re anxious about money, you can get help from a student adviser or a free debt advice organisation like National Debtline.”

Download your free copy of our Student Life 2024 guide here

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